Frauds and Scams
Fraud Hurts - a film by CFFC in association with the Serious Fraud Office
Fraud Hurts - a film by CFFC in association with the Serious Fraud Office
Email Scam (Fraud Awareness Week)
Phone Scam (Fraud Awareness Week)
Malaysian Travel Scams
The true cost of romance scams
Fraud Hurts is the first film to be made by two fraud-fighting agencies telling victims’ stories. Produced by CFFC in association with the Serious Fraud Office, it premiered at the International Fraud Film Festival on November 14, 2019, as part of a free public session to promote fraud awareness.
Knowledge is power
Become a real-life superhero by arming yourself with the information you need to fight fraud and keep yourself, your family and your money safe.
You work hard for your money. You want to spend it on things that matter to you – whether it’s your children’s education, an exciting trip or a new phone.
Fraudsters are real. They are out there every day looking for victims. They will target you online, over the phone, by mail or in person.
You’re a target. Thousands of New Zealanders lose millions of dollars to fraudsters every year. The impact of fraud on families and businesses can be devastating.
Report it! Anyone can be targeted, from teenagers to grandparents, to senior corporate officers. The best thing you can do is to report the fraud, whatever the amount, to the appropriate authorities. Don’t be embarrassed – you're helping prevent others being caught in the same trap.
Why are frauds and scams a problem?
Research NZ states 72% of New Zealanders have been the target of some kind of scam, either online or by telephone.
Netsafe announced $10 million in scam losses in 2017. That figure was eclipsed by the end of the first quarter of 2018 – $12.5 million had already been reported scammed from New Zealanders' bank accounts. Scams are increasing in number and sophistication, run as businesses by cartels who funnel money overseas to fund organised crime.
The scammers are smart and unregulated – if one scam or tactic doesn't work, they simply change the game plan or set new rules.
Who is vulnerable?
Anyone is vulnerable to a scam; if you think it could never happen to you – sadly you are mistaken. Some of you may have already been a victim of a scam and not even realised.
The trouble is there are so many different types of scams, and they all target people in different ways. They are becoming more sophisticated, so it's difficult to determine a genuine approach from the fake.
We have produced The Little Black Book of Scams to arm people with knowledge of typical scam MOs, tips on how to recognise them, how to avoid them and what to do if you have fallen for one of them.
Scammers' tactics
Watch out! Scammers will use these tactics to get you to hand over your hard-earned money:
- PHANTOM RICHES – "You'll make a lot of money from this opportunity."
- SOURCE CREDIBILITY – "You can trust me."
- SOCIAL CONSENSUS – "Everyone is doing it."
- SCARCITY – "Hurry, time is running out."
- COMPARISON – "You're getting a really good deal."
- FRIENDSHIP – "Do this for me as your friend."
Free downloads
The best way to protect yourself is through awareness and education. "The Little Black Book of Scams" is recognised internationally as an important resource for consumers and small businesses to learn about scams.
Free printed copies of The Little Black Book of Scams are also available to order on Sorted. Please note: Due to coronavirus, booklets are only available in digital format at the moment. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Understanding your rights
Visit Consumer Protection to understand your rights under various consumer laws.
Find more help and information on:
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Being a confident consumer
Find out what to know and do when purchasing a product or service in NZ.
Consumer Protection
consumerprotection.govt.nz
0508 4 CONSUMER (0508 426 678) -
Learning more about scams
How to recognise, avoid and take action against scams, protect personal information, and prevent identity theft both online and offine.
Scamwatch
consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/scamwatch or facebook.com/FraudInfo -
Avoiding investment scams
How to spot scam warning signs, deal with problems and find out if the investment provider is registered.
Financial Markets Authority
fma.govt.nz
0800 434 567 -
Staying safe online or reporting a scam
Netsafe is NZ's independent, non-profit online safety expert.
Netsafe
netsafe.org.nz
0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723) -
Reporting a cyber security problem
CERT NZ is your first port of call when you need to report a cyber security problem. They support businesses, organisations and individuals affected by cyber security incidents.
CERT
cert.govt.nz
0800 CERT NZ (0800 2378 69) -
Older parents or friends being scammed
Age Concern New Zealand provides free confidential advice and support for older people and their families who have been scammed or financially abused.
They can also help you connect with social groups and activities near you. Contact one of the national network of 33 Age Concern branches.AGE CONCERN NZ
ageconcern.org.nz -
Someone stealing your identity
IDCare is Australia and NZ's national identity and cyber support service. They help individuals reduce the harm from compromise and misuse of their identity information.
ID CARE
idcare.org -
Receiving spam
Report spam to DIA, so they can investigate and take action where necessary.
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
dia.govt.nz
Text Mobile SPAM to 7726